News / Icon films
Bristol production company to close after three decades
The founders of an independent television production company in Bristol have taken the “difficult decision” to close the business.
Icon Films, which produces factual programmes, was founded by Harry and Laura Marshall in 1990.
But the husband-and-wife say now is the right time to close the award-winning company down, citing a changing industry.
The closure at the end of May will affect 26 staff members at the Clifton-based firm – all of which will receive redundancies.
Icon Films is to close, costing 26 staff members their jobs – photo: Icon Films
Since its inception, Icon Films has produced more than 500 hours of factual programming for national and international broadcasters, launching franchises including River Monsters, Savage Kingdom and Primal Survivor.
Harry Marshall, who is also the chairman of Icon Films, said: “It’s been an extraordinary journey from the basement of a Bristol house to a company of over 100 people. We have launched careers, created international brands, run series and grown talent.
“But the industry is changing and knowing when to leave your own party is important. Our legacy is something we can be proud of.
“And we wanted to do the exit well and manage the wind-down on our own terms so our team feels valued and respected and are properly compensated and we can step away knowing we have done our best by everyone.
“We will now plan our next adventures and like Icon Films, see where it takes us.”
Despite the closure, the Marshalls are not retiring. Harry will continue to write while Laura will maintain her role as chair of Wildscreen, a wildlife conservation charity in Bristol.
Laura, who is also the CEO of Icon Films, added: “We’ve been privileged to work with a talented and loyal team with whom we have built Icon Films over the years.
“Knowing that best practice in staff wellbeing, production sustainability, engagement with our local communities and in-country producers has given us huge job satisfaction and defined our brand.”
Main photo: Icon Films
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